Kuaotunu Beach

Kuaotunu is a wide sandy beach backed by grassy dunes and mottled woodland 18 kilometres north of Whitianga on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. One of the most northerly beaches on the Coromandel, it has a shallow entrance into turquoise waters, while offering a naturalistic experience. The endangered dotterel nests just off the beach, and dolphins are often observed in the shallows.

The high number of permanent residents living in the town of the same name gives the area a real sense of community. Their numbers swell significantly during the summer months (of December to February in New Zealand) due to the beach’s popularity with holidaymakers. Kuaotunu is a favourite with campers, and can also be found on the surfing circuit, with powerful barrelling waves and a right hand point break at the eastern end of the beach for those with some experience on their board.